Alexander the Great: Empire on Fire
Dr Fay Edwards 7 episodes Nov 11, 2026
This podcast tells the story of Alexander the Great, from the assassination of his father in 336 BCE to Alexander's own death at age 32 after conquering most of the known world. Season 1, Empire on Fire, combines immersive storytelling with expert commentary. It also explores the most fascinating and scandalous aspects of history's greatest conqueror. The tone is dramatic and vivid while remaining grounded in historical detail.
Episodes
Special episode: Alexander - God, King, Man with Professor Edmund Richardson (E2.6)
Imagine you’ve never been in a fight in your life... and now the first soldiers you face belong to Alexander the Great.This is the experience of Somtutefnakht, an Egyptian priest whose remarkable eyewitness account offers an extraordinary glimpse of what it was like to be on the receiving end of Alexander’s conquests.He’s one of the voices we meet in this special interview with Professor Edmund Ri
E2.2: Olympias - The Making of a Monster
Alexander the Great's mother, Olympias, is often portrayed as a wicked witch. She roasts babies alive, poisons her son's rivals, and has sex with snakes. She hates her husband, Philip II, turned Alexander against him, and probably had a hand in his untimely death... But what if all of this is wrong?! What if Olympias was actually the ideal wife? What if she was just giving a respectful burial to a
E2 - Poetic Justice for Revolting Thebes
Alexander is dead! Or so the Thebans think. It’s 335 BCE, and the ancient superpower of Thebes seizes its chance to cast off Macedonian rule after hearing Alexander has been killed in battle. There’s just one problem. He isn’t dead. Find out what happens in Dr Fay Edwards' telling of one of the darkest moments of Alexander's early reign. Show notes & transcript: www.alexanderthegreatpodcast.co
E1.4 - 7 Contenders, 1 Winner - How Alexander Became King of Macedon
Royal succession in the kingdom of ancient Macedon was anything but straightforward. This episode reveals how 7 rival claimants to the throne who existed on Philip II's death, gave way to Alexander's accession. From Olympias' alleged murders through to the claims of cousins, infants and half-brothers, you'll discover why becoming king required far more than being the eldest son. A gripping introdu
E1.3 - Who Killed King Philip II? The Case Against Alexander with Professor Ian Worthington
Was Alexander the Great's father killed by an ex-lover with a personal grudge? ...Or was there a conspiracy to murder the king using the ex-lover as a pawn? That's the question of this episode. And Professor Ian Worthington's answer is clear: Yes, there was a conspiracy. And who were the conspirators? Alexander and his mother Olympias. Why does he think this? Listen to the episode to f
E1.2 - Sex and Pederasty in the Ancient Greek World with Dr Andrew Lear
In episode 1, we heard that King Philip II was killed by his male lover... so what were the norms surrounding same sex relationships in the ancient world? Is it right to call Philip gay or bi-sexual? And were there any famous same sex couples in ancient Greece? Find out the answers to these questions and many more in this fascinating discussion with expert, Dr Andrew Lear.
E1 - Death Strikes Suddenly from Nowhere
Alexander the Great's father is murdered... at his daughter's wedding... by his ex male lover. Welcome to the soap opera that is Alexander's life and reign.FREE download: The 5 Most Infamous Murders of Alexander the Great.Confused?! Get oriented with: Alexander the Great: Ultimate Starter Pack. Episode Summary: In this episode, we explore the dramatic assassination of King Philip II of
Introducing: Alexander the Great - Empire on Fire
Described as 'arguably the most exciting story in all of history' by The Rest is History podcast, Alexander the Great's life is a tale of action, intrigue and scandal. The show will feature immersive narratives, expert interviews and deep dives on every aspect of Alexander's life and reign from 336 BCE - when he took the throne - through to his death at age 32. Join us for a show f
